He let it be understood, he kept his word. Umar Kremlev, Secretary General of the Russian Boxing Federation, announced on Tuesday October 27, during an online press conference, his candidacy for the presidency of AIBA. At almost 38 years old, the Russian leader joins a circle of declared candidates which already included four men: the Azeri Suleyman Mikayilov, the Dominican Bienvenido Solano, the Dutchman Boris van Der Vorst, and the Emirati Anas Al Otaiba. They will therefore be at least five to run for the presidency of the international boxing body, suspended from the Olympic movement since the IOC session in June 2019. Like his competitors, Umar Kremlev calls for unity within of AIBA and insists on the urgency of reforms. He also cites his figures, without fearing promises. “ In the next year or two, AIBA will be able to reach $50 million in sponsorship.”, he assured Tuesday October 27. Ambitious for a body currently riddled with debt. In his campaign manifesto, the Russian also announces, in the event of victory, annual funding of 2 million dollars to national federations, and the creation of boxing academies on each continent, in order to train athletes, coaches, referees and the judges. The election for the presidency of AIBA must be held during the body's next annual congress, scheduled for December 12 and 13, 2020.
